Tonga
is divided into four main parts: Tongatapu in the South, Ha’apai
Group in the center, Vava’s group to the north and the three
island of the Niuas Group about 400 km north of Vava’u.
The name Tonga means south. It enjoys a milder and comfortable
climate. December to April is the hot rainy season with high humidity
from January through March. June to August is cool.
The coconut palm is the common plant in Tonga. The leaves are
used to make houses and the nuts are used for food and drink.
Migrating humpback whales bear their young and breed in Tongan
waters from June to November. Flying foxes and small bats are
the only land mammals native to Tonga.
Some of the chief cash crops of Tonga include bananas, coconuts,
vanilla beans, coffee beans and root crops.
Fishing and Tourism are the two major industries of Tonga.
The capital and largest city in Tonga is Nuku’alofa. The
currency is called “pa’anga”
The kingdom of Tonga is perched just east of the International
Date Line.
The Kingdom of Tonga is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Tongan is a West Polynesian language and belongs to the Oceanic
branch of Austronesian languages. Tongan and English languages
are used in the schools.
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